Kershaw bothered again by shoulder issue

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Clayton Kershaw’s left shoulder bothered him again when he resumed throwing on Monday, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, whose level of concern appears to be increasing.

“It’s not ideal,” Roberts said. “You’re hoping when he picks up the ball he’s feeling better, so obviously it’s not ideal, but we’ll deal with whatever comes our way.”

Kershaw had not thrown since last Wednesday because of left shoulder inflammation. He exchanged throws for five minutes on Monday with Walker Buehler, who is on a restrained throwing program after last year’s spike in innings. Kershaw threw out of the windup, a few firm pitches early, then appeared to back off and just throw at half speed.

Kershaw did not speak with the media.

“He didn’t feel great, so where he’s at right now, it might be another day or two before he picks it up again,” Roberts said. “It’s safe to say he didn’t feel great coming out of it, so where that has us right now, I really don’t know. I know we’ll probably take a step back until he’s feeling better.”

Roberts said no MRI has been scheduled.

“I think the medical staff has a handle on it and I’ll touch base this evening to figure out the course of action," Roberts said, "but right now we don’t have an MRI scheduled.”

Kershaw, previously named to make his ninth consecutive Opening Day start, was signed to a new contract in November for three years and $93 million, keeping him off the free-agent market, coming off a season interrupted by back and biceps injuries.

Kershaw spent the winter improving flexibility to better sync his body and mechanics after losing velocity in 2018. There were no indications of anything wrong physically after his first two bullpen sessions of the spring, but he was displeased and frustrated after a bullpen session last Monday and again after throwing a batting-practice session last Wednesday.

Roberts gave Kershaw a day off this past Thursday, and the decision was made the left-hander would not throw for a few days while medication addressed the inflammation.

Turner's big offensive day

Justin Turner homered and doubled, collecting three RBIs, as the Dodgers routed a Cubs split squad, 11-2, on Monday. Minor Leaguer Logan Landon also homered for the Dodgers, who have scored 31 runs over their first three games.

“I feel good at the plate, the timing is pretty good, but got a long way to go,” Turner said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that can really play. We’ve got guys that made adjustments over the winter. Austin Barnes, [Enrique] Hernandez have made adjustments. And we’re still looking forward to getting [Corey Seager] back in the lineup.”

Worth noting

• Roberts said starter Brock Stewart pitched better than the traffic on the bases made it appear in his one-inning start, which was scoreless because center fielder DJ Peters threw out Trent Giambrone at the plate with the bases loaded for a double play.

• Relievers Kenley Jansen and Joe Kelly threw batting practice, moving closer to their first game action.

Up next

Kenta Maeda starts for the Dodgers on Tuesday against Kansas City at Surprise at 12:05 p.m. PT. Cody Bellinger, out several days with a sore back, might make his first game appearance. Julio Urias gets his first game action as the starter on Wednesday.